Bobbio - St Columbanus

Bobbio is a small town with narrow streets but spectacular views leading down to the Trebbia river which can be crossed on foot over  the devils bridge. This pretty bridge is multi arched but is neither straight or level. The river itself is fast flowing and extremely clear, at the time of our visit the river was quite narrow but the river bed is substantially wider. This width comes into play in the spring when the snows melt.
Bobbio has a population of 4000 and council budget of around two million euros.

During our visit we were housed in one of the oldest buildings in Bobbio at Enoteca San Nicola. Enoteca San Nicola is a bed and breakfast where the rooms are decorated to a high standard with a very old world feel. Doubling up as a shop / coffee shop is where we had breakfast, it was so pretty. Also in the same complex was the restaurant where the food was served with flair. The local speciality is sparkling red wine.

 On the evening of our arrival we attended service in the Abbey of St. Colombanus. Sabina our guide and translator had already taken us for a walking tour of the town.

On the Monday was the celebration of St Columbanus which again took place in the Abbey of St. Colombanus. The church was filled with various dignitaries, clergy, Mayors and we visitors from North Down. After the service we were taken down to view the crypt where St Columbanus lies.

Tuesday saw us taken to a meeting with Mr Maurizio Parma – Director of the Tourism Office of the Province and his officials. The meeting including a presentation by a representative of SOPRIP (Private/Public Company that works for the promotion of the area and its economic development) who will outlined details of an international project for the promotion of the Ancient Pilgrims Route across Europe. 

 St Columbanus started out in Bangor  travelling through Europe via Bregenz eventually ending up in Bobbio where he died. The aim is to promote this pilgrim route and to obtain business from the tourist section to whom such trails have meaning. The folk in Piacenza, I felt, saw it as part of the general attraction of their area to be combined with other features. During our visit we were taken to a vineyard and a medieval village which was constructed in the 50’s. Both were excellent examples of what the area had to offer. I would see the biggest problem in any relationship with Bobbio as its inaccessibility. Some two hours from Milan locals need to take the bus to station then train into Milan. Other than a distinct lack of locals speaking English, I would be keen to support  a  St Columbanus pilgrim trail as a means of encouraging tourism, via Bregenz, between Bobbio and Bangor.

Enoteca San Nicola